How to Become a Leader in Africa

In this week's episode with Dr JC Niala, the award-winning Kenyan-British writer, poet and anthropologist who heads Research, Teaching and Collections at the National Science Museum in the University of Oxford, we discuss the kinds of leadership roles women have played in Kenyan society from the pre-colonial era till date, how those roles have changed and why.We also talk about the role of ethnicity and wealth in Kenyan leadership struggles, whether the mass youth-led protests of 2025 have changed the dynamics of the country and the importance of performative skills, visibility and personal leadership in galvanizing popular support in Kenya.

In this episode’s discussion with legendary Nigerian tech entrepreneur and investor - Victor Asemota - we discuss what it takes to be an efffective leader in the African business world, what kind of people tend to be listened to in African societies and why, and what kind of values and norms are needed to make Africa a prosperous continent.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Keili, a former vice-presidential candidate in Sierra Leone and current head of its main power provider who has also been highly successful in his country’s private sector. He shares how people in Sierra Leone rise to leadership positions, the kinds of leaders Sierra Leoneans are drawn to, the role of money, culture, relationships and secret societies, and the lessons he’s learned from his own journey in leadership. From politics to personal values, this is a powerful conversation on influence, authority, credibility, and what truly marks out a leader in West Africa today.

In this episode, we sit down with the renowned Professor Audrey Gadzekpo - one of Ghana’s leading voices on media, democracy, and gender - for an insightful conversation on leadership in Ghana and beyond.We take a deep dive into the enduring legacy of Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving leader who ruled the country for two decades, first as military dictator and then as a democratically-elected president: the revolutionary energy he sparked, his ability to connect with ordinary Ghanaians, the moral contradictions of his rule, and why many young Africans today seem to yearn for the radical style of leadership he embodied. Prof Gadzekpo also tells the expectations Ghanaians have of their leaders today, which African leaders they admire, and why women still struggle to make headway in the country’s politics. From the role of social media in reshaping today’s political landscape and the dangers of nostalgia for authoritarian-style leadership to the hard truths about gender equality in African politics — this episode explores our imaginations of power and who should get to hold it.

In this episode’s discussion with one of Cameroon’s leading political scientists and thinkers Professor Tatah Mentan, we dive deep into the rule of 92 year-old Paul Biya, one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents. From his rise to prime minister in 1975 to his presidency from 1982 till date, we explore how Biya has maintained his dominance not just over Cameroon’s citizenry but over much younger and ambitious political elites as well. We unpack what his leadership style and tactics tell us about political power, the rule of men over the rule of law, what enables generational silence and the impact of all this on Cameroon’s youth.

In this episode, we sit down with Innocent Ogbonna—youth mobilizer, social impact communicator, and values-driven leader—as he shares his journey through politics in a Nigerian university and the formative lessons of being raised by a single mother in Lagos.From student-led campaigns to faith-based and environmental advocacy, Innocent reflects on the experiences that shaped his voice, the challenges of growing up in a tough city with limited means, and why he believes Africa’s future lies in building deeper values—not just raising louder voices.A moving conversation about resilience, leadership, and finding purpose in the face of adversity.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Ibrahim Nyei, Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration. He shares his personal experiences growing up in the midst of Liberia's civil war, his views on the personal qualities that enabled Ellen Johnson Sirleaf become Africa's first female elected head of state, the challenges of governance in Liberia today and the path forward for African states following the emphatic return of great power politics in international relations.What kind of leaders does Africa need to navigate the new global realities? What are the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? This is a powerful conversation on leadership, Africa’s place in international affairs, and the intersection of policymaking and actual day-to-day governance.

In this episode of How to Become a Leader in Africa, we sit down with Bettina Ng’weno — professor, anthropologist, and co-author of the influential book "Developing Global Leaders: Insights from African Case Studies" which explored leadership in five African countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Tanzania and Nigeria. Drawing on detailed research and over 180 interviews with people in leadership positions, Professor Ng'weno shares deep insights on the evolving dynamics of everyday leadership on the continent.We discuss her home country of Kenya — from its historical patterns of governance to the role of youth in shaping its future. Professor Ng'weno unpacks how young people are treated by Kenya's government, especially in light of last year’s powerful youth-led protests, and what this reveals about the state of leadership in the country today. We also discuss how everyday leadership and hierarchies manifest in Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana.If you're passionate about everyday African leadership, civic engagement, and the rising voice of the youth, this episode is for you.

“The laws of politics in Nigeria are way different to those in Europe.” Prof. John Godson. In this eye-opening episode of How to Become a Leader in Africa, Prof. John Godson draws from his unique first-hand experience of campaigning for political office both in Europe and in Nigeria. As the first black person elected to Poland's parliament, Godson brings a wealth of knowledge about navigating political landscapes across two very different continents.With a deep understanding of the contrasts in political systems, Prof. Godson reveals the practical differences and the unique challenges faced in leadership roles within both environments. He explores how culture, history, and societal values influence political strategies, and why the rules of the game are so different when leading in Africa compared to Europe.

Lockett, a scholar, ordained Anglican priest, and former activist in South Africa’s Mass Democratic Movement.Recruited into the underground structures of the African National Congress (ANC), he worked closely with the legendary Archbishop Desmond Tutu, witnessing firsthand the power of faith, resistance, and unwavering commitment to justice.In this episode, we explore his extraordinary journey—from defying an oppressive system to shaping the future of ethical leadership. Sydney shares insights on the role of faith in activism, the power of moral leadership, and what young African leaders can learn from history.

"Is a Nigerian Governor Really All-Powerful? You Might Be Surprised! 🚨👀"Many believe Nigerian governors hold absolute power, but what really happens behind the scenes? In this episode, we sit down with Tolu Kenny Adetunji, former Special Assistant to Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State, as she shares eye-opening insights on leadership, power, and the reality of governance in Nigeria.Don’t miss this one! 🎙️🔥

Is power ever truly clean? In this episode, we explore leadership in The Gambia through the lens of Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule. Some remember him for his contributions to national development, while others recall the controversies and tough decisions that defined his leadership.Our guest, Modou Lami Jatta, shares insights on governance, power, and the sacrifices leaders make. Is it possible to lead without making enemies? Do all great leaders have blood on their hands?Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on leadership, legacy, and the realities of power.

What does it really take to become a leader in Africa? 🤔 In this episode, our guest dives deep into the essence of leadership, exploring how political parties function as Egbe—building strong bonds and loyalty among members.Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on power, influence, and the true meaning of leadership on the continent!

Our 1st How to Become a Leader in Africa podcast is with the brilliant Prof Wale Adebanwi, formerly of Oxford University, now University of Pennsylvania.We explore power and leadership in Africa, discussing his book, How to Become a Big Man in Africa.